Digital Retail News

Lowes introduces 'Lowes Vision - in-store navigation app'

Lowe's announced today the launch of its Lowe's Vision: In-Store Navigation app, the first retail application of indoor mapping using augmented reality. Leveraging Google's augmented reality technology Tango, the app is designed to simplify the home improvement shopping experience. Beginning in April, customers visiting stores in Sunnyvale, California and Lynwood, Washington can use Tango-enabled smartphones to easily search for products, add them to a shopping list and locate the product within the store using augmented reality.

The Lowe's Vision: In-Store Navigation app is the latest advancement from Lowe's Innovation Labs, the retailer's disruptive innovation hub. The Labs are focused on creating new solutions to enhance the retail experience for customers and employees.

"Our research shows that helping make it easier for customers to find products in stores not only makes for a better shopping experience, it allows our associates to spend more time advising on home improvement projects," said Kyle Nel, executive director of Lowe's Innovation Labs. "With Lowe's Vision: In-Store Navigation, we've created a more seamless experience using breakthrough technology so customers can save time shopping and focus more on their project."

Lowe's Vision: In-Store Navigation uses Tango-enabled motion tracking, area learning and depth perception to guide customers through the store using a mixed reality interface. When a customer comes to Lowe's to get started on a project, they can use any Tango-enabled smartphone to create a list of their required items in the app and access product reviews and information to make an informed decision. From there, directional prompts overlaid onto the real-world setting guide the customer to each item using the most efficient route around the store.

Lowe's first partnered with Tango to introduce Lowe's Vision, one of the first apps to leverage the Tango platform. Bringing spatial perception to the smartphone, Lowe's Vision acts as a "digital power tool" for customers embarking on a home improvement project. The technology enables the user to measure spaces and visualize how products like appliances and home décor will look in their home. Lowe's Vision and Lowe's Vision: In-Store Navigation technologies are significant developments in Lowe's efforts to build a portfolio of augmented reality offerings that meet the needs of the evolving customer.

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